New Holden Commodore imported from Germany has joined a trial as a South Australia police car. Picture: Supplied.

Motoring

New Holden Commodore earns its police stripes

by Joshua Dowling

12th Jul 2018 7:23 AM

THE Holden Commodore is back on the force.

The new model imported from Germany has joined the Kia Sorento SUV in a trial by South Australia police.

As with other police agencies nationally, SA Police is testing potential replacements for the homegrown Holden Commodore and Ford Falcon following the end of local manufacturing.

The first three new-generation Commodores have joined a trial of approximately 50 Kia Sorento SUVs to be used for general duties and traffic enforcement.

Holden, which has supplied SA Police since it was established by General Motors in 1948, says it expects the trial will lead to the addition of up to 100 new Commodores over the next two years.

New Holden Commodore joins the Kia Sorento in a trial by South Australia Police. Picture: AAP Image/David Mariuz.

SA Police assistant commissioner, governance and capability service, Peter Harvey, said: "SAPOL has now identified two motor vehicles which we are trialling for a range of duties including frontline operational response. The trialling of the Kia Sorrento continues and today we have added the new imported Holden ZB Commodore to that."

"The trial of both types of vehicles is important as SAPOL continues to grow and expands its overall fleet to provide the best possible fit for purpose vehicles."

Other states have retained the Toyota Camry sedan, Kia Sorento and Hyundai Santa Fe SUVs for general duties police work.

Queensland police recently confirmed it would deploy up to 200 Kia Stinger vehicles for the highway patrol.

The Victoria police force is about to roll out the first of its BMW 5 Series sedans for traffic duties, while NSW Police have started to deploy BMW and Chrysler sedans for highway patrol and first responder work.